The Dark Protector (Kingpin's Property 1)

“But not in front of you,” he hisses. “You’re a little girl.”

“I’m not,” I correct him. “I’m not anymore.”

He just laughs and shakes his head. Zeus growls at him, and I don’t tell him to stop.

“Tallulah, you’re seventeen years old.”

“Only for three more months,” I remind him. “Then I’m going to marry Xavier.”

He doesn’t respond, just keeps shaking his head as if the thought is so unbelievable. After a moment’s pause, his eyes meet mine and he says, “If you’re not dead by then.”

“Are you threatening me?” I narrow my eyes. “I’ll have you killed.”

“I’m sure you would.” Antonio groans, rubbing his temples with his free hand. “I’m telling you Xavier knows more about the death threats than he’s letting on.”

“No he doesn’t,” I hiss. “He’s trying to find out who it is.”

“He knows already.”

“You think Bernardo admitted it?”

“He did, I could tell,” he grunts. “Just trust me. He should go after them, not hiding you in plain sight. You’re going to die this way. You’re just a sitting, pretty target.”

I’m so shocked by this brief outburst I almost forget to close my mouth.

“But why would Xavier not go after the people threatening me?” I demand. “You think he doesn’t care about me at all?”

The prospect of it is so upsetting, my bottom lip trembles, anticipating the worst. But Antonio just laughs.

“Of course not,” he replies. “He doesn’t care about anyone but himself. To him, you’re his most precious possession. Not a person, Tallulah. I’m sure he’ll do anything to protect you. But he needs to get to these killers before they get to you. They’re drawing closer and closer. And many people know about the Casa. You’re not as safe here as you may think.”

“Xavier would let nobody hurt me.”

“If he doesn’t act now, they’ll kill you,” Antonio mutters, a fire burning in his eyes. “These people are determined. You saw Bernardo. Look how long it took him to give up that name. And Xavier knew it all along. I could tell by his expression.”

“I’m sure he’ll make the arrangements to hurt them and punish them,” I nod, feeling hopeful. “We both know he is ruthless, and he does not forgive.”

“Then why is he letting get away with this?” Antonio demands. “He’s known for months, Tallulah. Months when you could’ve been free. I’m telling you, he’s not acting on it. And there are two reasons.”

“What reasons?”

“One,” he counts on his finger. “He’s so obsessed with you, he wants to keep you chained up here. Without being able to see your family or anybody else. And he’ll kill anyone who so much as looks at you wrong.”

“I don’t think that’s-“

“And two,” Antonio sticks up another finger, surprising me when he cuts my sentence off like that. “He knows the person coming after you, and doesn’t want to hurt them. Maybe he’s trying to make amends.”

“Amends?” I laugh out loud. “He doesn’t care about that. Besides, who could you be talking about? He only has me. I’m his life.”

“That might be what he tells you, Tallulah.” Antonio glances around before coming to kneel before me. He doesn’t touch me, but his eyes plead with mine to listen and understand what he’s trying to tell me. “There’s someone from his past, I’m sure of it. Perhaps a jilted lover?”

“No,” I hiss, shaking my head as I remember the redhead he once brought to my birthday. “Absolutely not. He’d never look at another woman.”

“Then why do you have that look on your face?” he calls me out. I flush, pushing him away from me.

“You know nothing about us.”

“I know there’s someone out there who will do anything to kill you, and Xavier finally doesn’t have an excuse left to stop them. If he doesn’t, Tallulah, if these people aren’t dead by your birthday... you have to believe what I’ve told you. There’s someone whom he prioritizes over your. Risking your life... Is that where you want to be, Tallulah? His number three?”

“No.” I get up, the dogs growling at Antonio and his sudden outburst. “Don’t you dare say that.”

“My point is...” He shakes his head and connects his gaze to mine again. “I would never do that to you.”

“What?”

“I’d never put you in that spot,” he continues passionately. “I want to help you, Tallulah. I’m in love with you.”

All the color drains from my face. “You can’t be serious.”

“I’ve watched this shit for long enough,” he says. “I can’t let him keep doing this to you. I’m helping you get out of here. If I die for it, it’ll be worth it. That monster does not deserve you.”

“You’re insane,” I hiss, giving him a warning glare. “Don’t say that.”

“I know.” He clears his throat and straightens up. “We need to be careful. But now you know. And I’m going to help you get out of here.”